I wanted to try my hand at C++ and maybe contribute something to CE/EE.

After much searching and seeing prices well over $700 and on into the thousands, I ordered a copy of the 'Upgrade Edition' through amazon.com for 'just' $474.

The upgrade is permitted if you have ANY other development tool. Even free ones. This is spelled out in their EULA. You can even upgrade from VS Express Edition which Microsoft distributes at no charge.

This is NOT academic licensing, it's the real deal. I don't know if it's a limited time thing, though.